Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. I join with everyone who has paid tributes to Martin Grove, Bridget Doody and the Seanad staff, as well as to the staff of the Houses, from the ushers to the staff in the restaurant, canteen and Dáil bars, for their work and courtesy in recent years.

I join with others in wishing everyone who is running for election to this House or the other House well. Unfortunately, everyone cannot get elected, as I and others have known at different times. I read on Twitter that Adrian Kavanagh said there will be a record number of candidates running for the general election so they definitely will not all get elected. It is, however, a privilege. Anyone who puts his or her name before the people should be acknowledged because it is a very public form of scrutiny. Unless people are in the game and involved in it, they might not appreciate the pressures and stresses associated with it. I wish everyone well and hope everyone looks out for their friends and colleagues in these stressful weeks and months ahead.

Senator Fitzpatrick was the first speaker to the Order of Business. She raised the issue of the number 11 bus service to Drumcondra and the role of the NTA. While the NTA does great work, like a lot of agencies and bodies over the years, we have given control away from Parliament to agencies within Departments. It is now too easy for Ministers in various Departments to say that they do not have an official role in such areas. That is not good enough because, ultimately, the agencies and the boards are responsible to their relevant Ministers. Senator Fitzpatrick has certainly put forward a strong case as to why that bus service should be retained and has called on the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to intervene to pause the ending of that bus service. She has also advocated for public transport gardaí on our public transport network.

Senator Mary Seery Kearney spoke about the unbelievable issue that arose whereby a Minister of State, on behalf of a senior Minister, read a speech which the senior Minister later stated should never have been read into the record or sent forward. Ultimately, Ministers - whoever they are - are responsible for what is said on their behalf from the Department. Every Minister needs to ensure that, before someone comes in here to read a script on his or her behalf or on behalf of the Department, he or she knows what is in it. Ultimately, the buck stops with the Minister, whoever she or he is. Senator Seery Kearney also spoke about the apartment defect scheme and looks forward to announcements on that soon.

Senator McDowell put forward a strong argument for Seanad reform. I will not pretend that I have any good news in that regard in advance of the general election. I will see what all party manifestos decree over the coming weeks on the issue of Seanad reform.

Senator Francis Black spoke about those people who are going through the trauma of the defective concrete blocks, which is a particular issue in Donegal, but also affects other counties. I understand the emotions of this topic. I also understand there has been a lot of advocacy and work done in this regard. Some €2.2 billion has been committed to the remediation of that issue. It is good to see work has started and houses are being remediated or knocked down and rebuilt. It is, however, going to take a long time to see the issue solved. I am aware it has been an issue in recent elections and will be for the forthcoming election, but there is a commitment of €2.2 billion to remediate this problem, which is a hugely stressful issue for those in Donegal and other counties.

Senators Gavan, Byrne and O'Reilly spoke on a number of issues related to democracy, living in a safe democracy and issues in other countries, whether that is the Middle East or in Libya, as Senator Gavan spoke of, and the values of the EU. The EU has values and that is why so many people want to come here because it is a relatively well-off, stable part of the world with opportunities. People leave their own countries because there are better opportunities elsewhere. That is understandable. We have done likewise for generations from this country. We all have family all over the world. I have ten aunts and uncles in Boston, although many of them have passed away, two in Perth, Australia, one in Manchester, London, New York and Los Angeles respectively, as well as a small few who remained at home. Emigration has been part of Irish life for generations. People want to come to the EU to do better for themselves and for their families. That creates pressures and there is no doubt about that. All European countries are trying to respond to this matter, as are other countries like the United States where this has been a real issue in elections.

Senator Craughwell talked about the search and rescue helicopter, an issue on which he has been a great advocate. He has raised concerns in this regard and has called on the Minister to extend the existing contract. He also talked about misinformation in elections and the need to have a permanent, stand-alone Minister for defence, which is an issue that has come up the odd time. One constituent of mine was particularly exercised on that and believed it to be the case. Of course, in order to have a stand-alone Minister for defence, another Department would need to be dropped. I am aware of different proposals in this regard. Perhaps we do not have enough Cabinet positions.With the additional responsibilities Ministers have, perhaps there is a need for more stand-alone Cabinet Departments but, again, that would require a constitutional change.

Senator Horkan again congratulated President Trump and all of the staff, as others have done. He called for supports for indigenous companies and welcomed the tax reliefs for small companies which were passed through this House yesterday in the Finance Bill.

Senator Conway spoke of Vision Ireland and the participation of people with disabilities in public life. He has certainly been a very strong advocate for people with disabilities and those who suffer from sight loss in his role as a Senator.

Senator Cassells spoke of the Navan rail line which together with Navan hospital are probably the two issues I have associated with him most in these Houses and his advocacy for both. It is great to see that his work is bearing fruit and that this project is making ground ultimately to a railway order and those works.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the M4 and it is great to hear that it is back on the capital plans. I know that he has raised that in this House and within our own parliamentary party over the years with a view to seeing that work proceeding to a preferred route and to funding. He also spoke about his concern regarding the proposed IPAS centre in Athlone and the communication of it. It is, as I know, a very difficult topic. I certainly hope that the information is provided and that the situation comes to pass or is resolved amicably. I know that there are issues in the community.

Senator Flynn spoke of her role as a Seanadóir representing the Traveller community and she has been ground-breaking in that regard. She has spoken about her supports for women and children suffering from domestic violence, and about a fundraiser that has happened and another one which will be happening soon on that issue.

Senators Davitt and O'Sullivan spoke of colleagues who are retiring. I had not realised that Senator O'Sullivan is not going forward and I wish him well. I have always said that he makes some of the most telling contributions and speeches here on various issues. I wish him well in his retirement. I also wish Senator Cassells well in his retirement from public life after 25 years, which is a long level of service.

Senator Keogan used her opportunity to advocate for electing Independent candidates. I cannot imagine a 60-Member Chamber here being full of Independents, or a 174-Member Chamber as it would be in Dáil Éireann.